Mathematics

Arithmetic

Arithmetic covers basic calculations including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, and percentages.

Math is fun

This site offers straight forward explanations and can be searched either using the topic buttons or key words in the search bar.

• Select the Numbers button for information and exercises.
• There is a search function which brings up related articles on a topic.
• There are practice worksheets available to download.
• There are interactive games to practice learning points.

Numbernut

This site is easy to read and is suitable for junior secondary level students. Select the button for the area you want to explore

• This site covers a wide variety of arithmetic topics.
• It gives an introduction to each topic.
• Each topic progressively gets more difficult.

Tips: Search words, or keywords, are the most important words in our question. Usually it’s better to leave out small words like ‘the’, ‘a’ and ‘of’ and just choose the main ones, e.g [addition]. We can always change our keywords or add more if we need to.

Algebra

Algebra is about using letters or symbols in place of numbers.

Purplemath

Purplemath has a strong focus on algebra and has some topics on trigonometry.

• From the homepage select the link for algebra lessons.
• Topics are grouped at different levels including intermediate and secondary.

MathsCentre

This New Zealand website is based around the school curriculum.

• Select Algebra from the Pick a topic menu.
• This site focuses on secondary level.
• There are resources for NCEA levels.
• There are explanatory videos and workbooks that can be downloaded.

Tips: Websites that have .com or .co in the address can have good information, but you need to assess how reliable it is. Check the About us link on the website, if you can find one. That can tell you what the company’s mission and values are.

Geometry/measurement

The study of geometry deals with points, lines, shapes, 2D and 3D, and space, while measurement shows the amount or size of an object.

Khan Academy

This site is more suited for secondary school. You can search maths at a variety of levels and aspects.

• Select the subjects drop down box and select Geometry.
• This website contains video explanations of various topics and practice questions.
• You can also use keywords in the search bar to find more information.

Tips: Websites that have .org or .net in the address can have good information, but you need to assess how reliable it is. Check the About us link on the website, if you can find one. That can tell you what the organisation’s mission and values are.

Calculus

Calculus is a branch of mathematics that extends from algebra and geometry. It focuses on rates of change like acceleration, curves and slopes.

Maths First

A great place where secondary and tertiary students can go for help. It's an online maths resource featuring interactive practice sessions, video tutorials and quizzes.

• From the homepage select Need maths help.
• Go to Calculus
• Choose a subtopic.

Tips: We like sites like this because they’re reliable. You can tell because of their web address – they have either .govt or .ac, meaning they are from government or educational organisations. They’re also New Zealand sites, so relevant for us.

Statistics

Statistics deals with the collection, analysis, interpretation, presentation, and organization of data.

S-cool

S-cool covers Maths as well as other topics. Subjects are listed under GCSE and A-level which are similar to our NCEA level 1-3.

• For Statistics choose the maths link under A-Level.
• SelectStatistics - The basics.
• Select subtopic.
• There are explanations of each subtopic.

NCEA

Here are a couple more websites that contain maths information specifically for NCEA.

Studyit

You can search for the NCEA level and achievement standard you need, join the community and ask questions in the forum.

NCEA subject resources

The NZQA website has NCEA subject resources. This website is aimed at teachers but contains information about the assessment criteria, and credits each topic is worth.

• From the Mathematics and Statistics webpage, you can check out examination papers and examples.
• You can also look at example answers for NCEA papers showing answers marked from 'not achieved' up to a 'low excellence'.

MathsCentre

This has been mentioned previously and is another useful site to go to for NCEA information.

EPIC

EPIC is a collection of reliable databases covering lots of different topics. It’s put together especially for New Zealand school students and helps to answer questions like this.

Britannica School

This an EPIC database that covers the history mathematics.

• Enter the keyword 'mathematics' into the search bar.
• Select the article called Mathematics. 

Tips: To get to the EPIC resources you will need a password from your school librarian first. Or you can chat with one of our AnyQuestions librarians between 1 and 6pm Monday to Friday and they will help you online. Some EPIC databases may also be available through your public library.

Books

Easy as pi : maths made simple by Liz Strachan

SCIS no: 1873804